Training a panicle hydrangea into a standard trunk is not difficult, but it does require patience. You can carry out the appropriate topiary when planting a young plant, but also on an older specimen that has not been cut out for several years.
How do I grow a panicle hydrangea as a standard tree?
To train a panicle hydrangea to become a standard tree, carry out a training pruning when planting, a topiary pruning after one year and after two and three years. Remove side shoots and shorten leading and shoot lengths to the desired height.
Training cut when planting
First of all, take a close look at your panicle hydrangea and, if necessary, shorten it to a height of around 100 to 120 centimeters. Choose the strongest trunk to go with the main trunk. Between November and March (early spring is best for this cut), cut off the branches of the main stem of the young panicle hydrangea above the second or third eye.
Topiary after one year
This cut should only be carried out when the trunk has reached the desired height or has even grown higher. If, on the other hand, the main stem still seems weak and has not grown much, give it some time and just remove the old inflorescences. Otherwise, remove the side branches above the first eye towards the end of February / beginning of March. If the trunk is taller than desired, simply cut it off above the third eye above the highest branch.
Education cut after two and three years
At the end of February / beginning of March, cut off the highest and thickest branches (the so-called leading branches) above the second or third eye above the base. Shorten the branches of the trunk to a length of approximately 10 centimeters. Finally, in the third year, cut off the highest branches above the second eye during the same period. Remove the weak branches. Remove any branches growing on the sides of the trunk. Repeat this cut at the same time every year.
Tips & Tricks
You should also carry out a maintenance pruning every year around mid-March, where you cut off all branches that had flowers the previous year at the base. This cut can also be done in autumn.
